Recently, Tiger Woods came back from knee surgery on his left
knee and looks to be in top form heading into this week’s
Masters Tournament. Throughout his comeback, we’ve been updated
on how his practice sessions have gone. Because of the surgery,
his mobility was limited and he was forced to start with short
swings with his wedges and short irons. In the process of
practicing abbreviated swings, he was able to reinforce the
feeling of hitting the center of the clubface. With the arrival
of spring, practice facilities are opening and it is very
important how you organize your practice sessions in an effort
to maximize your potential.
I will detail a
wonderful drill to start the season on the right foot.
·Use a pitching wedge or 9-iron
·Tee the ball slightly off the
ground
·On your set-up, apply slightly
more weight on your left side (right-handed golfers)
·On the takeaway, take the club
back so the shaft is waist high and parallel to the ground
·Methodically swing through,
strike the ball and hold your finish so the club is waist high on the
finish side of your body
Things to check
for:
·Are you balanced in your
finished position?
·Did you strike the ball, and
then take a divot?
·Are your arms fully extended
in the finish position?
·Did you strike the center of
the face?
·Is your grip pressure light on
the club?
I would suggest
doing this drill each time you start your practice sessions. It allows
you to slowly stretch your muscles, build rhythm into your swing, and
maximize the potential to strike the center of the face. There is no
better feeling than striking the center of the face time after time
before heading to the first tee. Furthermore, this drill will give you
instant feedback on things you need to practice.
If you have any
questions, comments, or would like help in setting up an organized
practice session at The Bull, please email me at
gplace@golfthebull.com
Gregory A.
Place, Director of Instruction
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
920-467-1500
gplace@golfthebull.com
